The Background: Tia and I worked together at Lucky, where she was a senior beauty editor. Fast forward to now— she’s a prolific, bestselling author of The Accidental Diva, the It Chicks series, and The Perfect Find – which was adapted to a Netflix film starring Gabrielle Union. Her wildly popular 2021 novel, Seven Days in June, (an instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller, and a Reese’s Book Club pick) is being turned into a TV series with Amazon Prime Video. Her latest novel, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, published in February—to glowing reviews from NYT Book Review, Publisher’s Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, People, and Good Morning America. I was so excited when I saw it front and center at Book Hampton, that I immediately emailed her and asked her to do a guest post. I can’t believe she found the time to do it, but here we are!
Hometown: Fairfax, VA, but I’ve lived in Brooklyn my whole adult life.
Self-described style: This is a tough one. Minimalist? Classic cool? A friend once called me a “Madewell Mom,” and honestly, it’s tough to disagree.
Where I get my inspiration: Currently, I’m deeply into Taylor Russell’s style. Her commitment to baggy, oversized trenches and Gentle Monster sunglasses inspired me to dress like a detective all winter.
Best thing about writing: Editing. It’s so satisfying! I love refining an awkward scene; adding the seasoning and special touches that’ll bring it to life.
Worst thing about writing: First drafts are always shitty. There’s no getting around it, and it never gets easier.
Favorite Lucky moments and why: I used to do a lot of TV for Lucky, which I loved. I remember I had a massive crush on this MTV Veejay, Quddus. I went on TRL to talk to him about the hottest techy gadgets of Fall 2001 (lol) and I was SO excited. I put on all this blush and wore a graphic tee that said “Amor.” Ridiculous. The footage is hilarious—I’m flirting up a storm, but he’s totally focused on a swivel Sony tablet. Later, I found out he had a girlfriend. Crushing.
Style icons: Pat Cleveland, Greta Lee, Imaan Hamam, ’70s Cicely Tyson, late-'60s Jane Fonda, early-’90s Drew Barrymore, my grandmothers. They’re all deeply chic beauties who weren’t/aren’t over-the-top with it. Great eyeliner, clean skin, clean lines. Simple, but exquisite.
Three things I can’t live without: Sprite, My Café Con Libros tote (it’s a bookstore in Crown Heights), Seedy celeb memoirs— I currently love Detour: A Hollywood Story by Cheryl Crane (Lana Turner's daughter).
Motto: “Everything is copy.” – Nora Ephron
Japonesque Go Curl Pink Travel Lash Curler: It’s tiny, it’s pink, and it goes everywhere with me. My lashes are pin-straight, and this props them up in a pinch.
C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Crème: My first summer NYC, back in 1997, I wandered into Bigelow Apothecary, and fell in love with this lotion. It makes you smell like a sexy lemon tart…but in a clean, subtle way?
Lanvin Leather Ballerina Flat: I have zero stiletto confidence. I simply cannot walk in heels! It’s ballerina flats for me—and I’ve been wearing the same pair of black Lanvins since 2012— I just keep getting them resoled.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Brunette: It’s only $10, and it lasts a year. I’m in love with the refined, delicate tip; it blends in effortlessly and looks so natural.
Rag & Bone Casey Flare Jean in Norwalk: These high-waisted, weathered bell-bottoms make me feel so Carly Simon. Like, I want to be braless somewhere in Laurel Canyon, writing songs with my toxic guitarist boyfriend.
Kulfi Main Match Crease-Proof Hydrating Concealer: The range of browns is just gorgeous, and it stays put all day. Brightens my under-eye circles instantly.
Bauble Bar Spell It Out Custom Blanket: My best friend Tricia gave me one for Christmas. I live for it. It’s cozy, stylish, and perfect for the airplane.
Tom Ford Soleil de Feu Parfum: One spritz, and I’m instantly transported to a decadent, ritzy beach resort. An escapist fantasy, bottled. I wear it everywhere—even on work Zooms, despite no one smelling it but me!
Amazon Essentials 100% Cotton Crewneck Sweater: I have one in every color. It’s perfect for running errands, or you can dress it up with a slip skirt. Plus, it’s under $30.
Harlem Candle Company Savoy Luxury Candle: Love this fruity-floral musk! It’s inspired by Savoy Ballroom, the chic Harlem Renaissance nightspot. I burned it while writing A Love Song for Ricki Wilde.
Love her! She is smart and beautiful. She had one of the first blogs I ever read called Shake your Beauty that was all about beauty, fashion and her life. Classic cool.....I love that!
I have never heard of Tia, but I love her after reading this interview. What a cool chick! The Carly Simon lion had me cracking up 👌
I will be checking out her books. Thanks Andrea!